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After 20 years of service in the U.S. Army, combat veteran Kyle Tripp was honored through the SCIF Combat Veterans Hunt with an unforgettable experience at Union Hill Ranch in Texas.

Recognizing and honoring the heroes who risk their lives for our freedoms has always been a core tradition at SCI Foundation. Through its Veterans Programs, SCI Foundation pays tribute to their courage and sacrifice with meaningful opportunities in the outdoors.

In 2026, Kyle Tripp, President of the Alaska Chapter and a 20-year Army combat veteran, was selected for the SCIF Combat Veterans Hunt. His award included a three-day, two-night axis deer hunt generously donated by Union Hill Ranch in Kopperl, Texas.

A Hunt I’ll Always Remember

By Kyle Tripp

My hunt began September 25, and from the start, the food, hospitality and staff at Union Hill Ranch were outstanding. Everyone made me feel welcome, and my guide, Will, did a tremendous job helping me successfully harvest my first-ever axis deer.

The axis deer proved elusive. On our final morning sit, we got within range of two good bucks, but a clear shot never developed before they spooked. With one morning left, I asked Will if we could cover some ground and try a stalk. He made it happen, getting me within 100 yards of a fine axis buck. That opportunity led to a successful harvest and a memory I will always treasure. Read more

No matter what you hunt, where you hunt or how you hunt, SCI fights for you. SCI leads this fight without apology because our members understand our hunting heritage and Second Amendment freedom is worth fighting for. SCI’s strength depends on members staying informed, getting involved, and making their voices heard where it counts.

Before Election Day, SCI takes time to learn where candidates stand on the issues that matter to hunters. SCI does the research. SCI asks the tough questions: Do they support science-based wildlife management? Do they recognize the role hunters play in conservation? Will they protect access to public lands? Will they listen to the people who spend time on the land and invest in wildlife and habitat conservation? Do they support the individual right to keep and bear arms for hunting and other lawful purposes?

Opponents of hunting are organized, active, and engaged. They work relentlessly to pressure lawmakers, dominate public hearings, and push policies that threaten the future of hunting. Hunters must be just as committed to protecting hunting as we are to going hunting. So please, vote in these critical elections and encourage friends, family and fellow hunters to do the same on November 3rd. Support candidates who support hunting. See the list of SCI-PAC endorsed candidates here.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks and the City of Roundup have scheduled an archery-only mule deer management hunt in and around Roundup to reduce the number of urban deer.

Fifty either-sex mule deer licenses for this hunt will go on sale Wednesday, Nov. 4, and will be limited to two per person. Online sales will begin at 5 a.m. and in-person sales will begin at regular business hours. These Roundup management deer B licenses will be available for residents and non-residents and do not count toward an individual hunter’s limit of deer B licenses they may have in one year. A current Conservation License, Base Hunting License, and Bow & Arrow License are required for purchase. The management hunt will be open from Nov. 30 to Feb. 15, 2027. Read more